4 questions with the enemy: Ravens vs. Steelers, Week 14

The Baltimore Ravens face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 for the second time in the 2017 season. This one is in Pittsburgh and arguably the most important game of the Ravens’ season. A win can all but secure their playoff future as well as make them the team to beat in the AFC. A loss could muddy the AFC playoff race and force Baltimore into must-win territory.

Since so much has changed between the teams in the last few weeks, we asked the managing editor of Steelers Wire, Curt Popejoy, what the Steelers have going for and against them right now.

1) The loss of Ryan Shazier hurts not only in scheme and on the field, but the players. As much as the Steelers might not want to let it get in the way, it’s going to be difficult to shake that early in the week. Both on the field and as a distraction, how much does Shazier likely not playing affect Pittsburgh?

I honestly feel like in terms of a distraction, it won’t be an issue. I look for Shazier’s absence to be a rallying point for the defense. Having said that, there is still a huge void in talent on the defense, so I expect that impact to be real and to be significant.

2) JuJu Smith-Schuster found himself suspended, and many Ravens fans are excited to not have to worry about him. He’s been a big part of the offense, so how does his absence affect things?

At this point, you would hope that the offense will be able to replace his production in the passing game between guys like Martavis Bryant and Jesse James. But his ability to block (ask Vontaze Burfict) might be where he is missed more.

3) In the last matchup, Pittsburgh got to quarterback Joe Flacco four times. With Baltimore’s offensive line playing better, that might not be the same outcome. Can the Steelers make big plays on defense without the pass rush?

It’s not likely. All season, when this group has struggled it has started with those four guys up front. Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree power the defense. When they are off, the back seven struggle. When they are on, the rest can do whatever they want.

4) What’s your final score prediction, and who makes the biggest impact on either team?

I think the Ravens picked a bad week to play the Steelers. This team is looking to vent an awful lot of frustration from last week. I expect Le’Veon Bell to have a huge impact on the outcome of this game, as well as Cam Heyward on the other side. Pittsburgh is money in prime time, so let’s go Steelers 31, Ravens 24.

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